Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamy pasta salad! It’s the kind of dish that just screams summer gatherings and family BBQs. The moment I whip it up, I can practically hear the laughter and chatter of my loved ones around the table. I remember the first time I made it for a family reunion; everyone was raving about how fresh and delicious it was! It’s not just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors and colors! Trust me, whether it’s a potluck or a casual weeknight dinner, this creamy pasta salad fits right in. Plus, you can customize it however you like! So, grab your ingredients and get ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to make!
Ingredients
- 8 oz of uncooked pasta (I love using rotini or shells for that extra twist!)
- 1 cup of mayonnaise (this makes it super creamy, trust me!)
- 1/2 cup of sour cream (for that tangy kick that balances everything out)
- 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved (so fresh and juicy!)
- 1 cup of cucumber, diced (adds a nice crunch)
- 1/2 cup of red onion, chopped (for a little zing!)
- 1/4 cup of parsley, chopped (because who doesn’t love a pop of green?)
- 1 tsp of garlic powder (my secret ingredient for flavor!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t be shy, season it well!)
How to Prepare Creamy Pasta Salad
Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this creamy pasta salad! It’s super easy, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in the 8 oz of uncooked pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. I usually go for about 8-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it!
- Once it’s done, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is key if you want that perfect texture!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise and 1/2 cup of sour cream. Mix them together until it’s nice and smooth. You want it creamy, so stir well!
- Next, add in 1 tsp of garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Trust me, this adds a fantastic flavor!
- Now, it’s time to fold in the star ingredients! Add the cooled pasta, 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup of diced cucumber, 1/2 cup of chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup of chopped parsley. Gently stir everything together until it’s all coated in that creamy goodness.
- Finally, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time allows all those flavors to mingle and get even better!
And there you have it! A delightful creamy pasta salad that’s ready to serve. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It comes together in a snap, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings.
- Rich, creamy flavors that everyone loves—seriously, it’s a crowd-pleaser!
- Versatile enough to serve at any occasion, from picnics to potlucks.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins for a personal touch.
- Chilling it enhances the flavors, so you can make it ahead of time!
- Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds (or thirds!).
Tips for Success
To really nail this creamy pasta salad, here are some of my top tips! First, don’t skip the chilling step; it’s essential for letting the flavors meld perfectly! If you have time, making it a day in advance is even better—trust me, it gets tastier as it sits. Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like bell peppers or even olives for an extra kick! And if you want a protein boost, adding some cooked chicken or even chickpeas works wonders. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to match your additions. Enjoy the creative process!
Variations
One of the best things about this creamy pasta salad is how easily you can mix it up! If you want to add a pop of color and flavor, try tossing in some diced bell peppers or shredded carrots. For a bit of crunch, some radishes or snap peas would be fantastic! Want to turn up the protein? Add in chunks of cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or even some chickpeas for a vegetarian option. And don’t forget about cheese—crumbled feta or shredded cheddar can elevate the dish even further. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers! Each serving of this creamy pasta salad is about 1 cup and packs in approximately 350 calories. You’ll also find 20g of fat, including 3g of saturated fat, and 8g of protein to keep you satisfied. On the carb front, it has around 30g, with about 2g of fiber and 3g of sugar. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on your specific ingredients, especially if you throw in some extras or swap out the mayo for something lighter. So, feel free to enjoy this delicious dish while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I make creamy pasta salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making this creamy pasta salad a day in advance. Allowing it to sit overnight in the fridge lets all those delicious flavors meld together, making each bite even more amazing. Plus, it saves you time on the day of your gathering—win-win!
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can absolutely use Greek yogurt or mashed avocado instead of mayonnaise. Greek yogurt adds a tangy flavor and a bit of protein, while avocado gives it a rich, creamy texture without the extra calories. Both are delicious alternatives that will keep your creamy pasta salad feeling fresh!
How do I store leftovers?
To store any leftovers, just transfer the creamy pasta salad into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving again, as some of the dressing may settle. Enjoy your delicious creation for days to come!
Equipment List
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Colander (to drain the pasta)
- Mixing bowl (for combining ingredients)
- Spoon or spatula (for mixing)
- Measuring cups and spoons (for accuracy)
- Refrigerator-safe container (for chilling the salad)
Creamy pasta salad: 7 Reasons You’ll Love This Delightful Dish
- Temps Total: 55 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious creamy pasta salad perfect for any gathering.
Ingrédients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise and sour cream until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture.
- Stir in the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- Toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Customize with your favorite vegetables.
- Can be made a day ahead for better flavor.
- Add cooked chicken for extra protein.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 10 minutes
- Catégorie: Salad
- Méthode: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 500mg
- La graisse: 20g
- Graisses Saturées: 3g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 15g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 30g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 8g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 10mg
Mots-clés: creamy pasta salad
